SL need more Tests to nurture pace-bowling talents

Although Sri Lanka ended up conceding a big lead to Pakistan on the second day, there were a few signs of a potentially good attack. For their young bowlers to develop, however, Sri Lanka must play more Tests

18

In the Abu Dhabi desert, though the pitch was still green, so keenly Sri Lanka toiled, but this fate was foreseen.

Sri Lanka have not played many Tests recently (as the batsmen had made abundantly clear on day one), but in their most recent away series in Australia, they had endured many days like the second day against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Days when the opposition lead expands almost as if it was a birthright. Days when even the rare good balls miss the edge, and the few chances that do come are squandered in the field or by the injudicious use of DRS. Days, in short, that should be expected of an attack featuring a spinner on debut, two fast bowlers with less than 15 Tests, a third seam-bowler whose average is in the mid-70s, all marshalled by a captain still in training.

In Australia, Rangana Herath had created opportunities, but although a long personal break from cricket did not alter his accuracy in Abu Dhabi, his wicket-taking plots were not at their insidious best. Pakistan were led by two good players of spin-bowling as well, and the surface remained as resistant to turn as its colour implied.

It would be glib to suggest Sri Lanka could have done so much better, but could they have, really? The fast men managed good lines through the day, and even moved the ball a little. There were no meltdowns, no maulings, no huge dips in intensity until late in the day. Angelo Mathews attacked and kept at least one slip throughout, even tricking Ahmed Shehzad into a rash stroke. Sachithra Senanayake had a few poor overs, but which rookie doesn't have a few of those on an unresponsive track? The truth that Sri Lanka must absorb and own completely if they are to avoid such days in future is: on pitches that aren't in Galle, they are just not very good.

The biggest feasible gains are to be made by the fast bowlers. Shaminda Eranga was miserly in the morning, conceding only eight runs from his six overs, but three more inches of movement and a better head for working batsmen out would take him from parsimonious to penetrative. Once Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan joined forces, neither batsman struggled to account for Eranga's seam and swing.

Eranga lacks creativity, and is not yet capable of devising focused plans to test good batsmen, though perhaps for a man who did not play serious cricket until he was discovered at the age of 20, bowling smart can only come with experience. For now, as he can bowl in excess of 140kph, has a grip on the basics of movement, and can increasingly deliver steady spells like he bowled today, there is enough to indicate Sri Lanka could build an attack around him.

Suranga Lakmal still averages over 65 in his 14th Test, but given the dearth of competition, Sri Lanka will not want to discard him easily either. Like Eranga, he moved the ball modestly today, but not nearly enough to trouble high-quality batsmen on a regular basis. At his slightly slower pace, he will never take bagfuls of wickets by waiting for batsmen to make mistakes. A fuller length teasing batsmen into the drive might have been more fruitful for him, and when nothing was happening, a change in angle or a burst of short bowling could at least have been tried.

For the moment, there is no escaping the fact that Sri Lanka's attack is among the worst in the world, and that more Tests for the bright bowling prospects is vital to changing that

"Test match bowling is about bowling in partnerships and identifying your role," coach Graham Ford said at the close of play. "Some days, the pitch will play in your favour and all you have to do is put it in the right areas, but other days you have to make it happen. They've got wise advice and support from Chaminda Vaas who has done it for years and years, and knows Test-match bowling inside out. Hopefully they will gradually develop into bowlers that will win Test matches."

As an exemplar, Vaas is about as good as it gets for any fast bowler in Sri Lanka. His unwavering accuracy may be difficult to replicate, but the manner in which he constructed spells, manoeuvred batsmen, and embellished his seam and swing through his career need not be beyond the emerging pair. As Ford says, Vaas is a mountain of fast-bowling knowledge, but that is a resource which has not yet produced visible returns. Part of that, of course, is because there have only been two Tests since Vaas was appointed almost a year ago.

"If Eranga and Lakmal had the opportunity to play more Test cricket, we'd be able to develop a unit that's capable of making more of an impact against high-quality batsmen," Ford said. "To make that progress you need to be playing Test-match cricket. These guys had made some progress previously, but we are almost back starting from square one again with them."

For the moment, there is no escaping the fact that Sri Lanka's attack is among the worst in the world, and that more Tests for the bright bowling prospects is vital to changing that. Herath wins matches when he can manage it, but until Sri Lanka's quicks embark on that long, hard road that Vaas once trod, there will be many more sapping days in the desert.

The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race.
The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the country.
The noble eight fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion's tail.
Curly hair on the lion's head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation.
The beard denotes purity of words.
The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth.
The nose indicates intelligence.
The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth.

We don't call ourselves Lions because of Cricket. It's because we have 2500 years proud history. If you need to know more please google. Thanks.
(@Cricinfo: Please publish. Thanks )

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 13:47 GMT

what can you expect when selectors keep on ignoring real bowlers with potential like kanishka alvitagala

buncers
on January 2, 2014, 11:07 GMT

It is easy to blame the bowlers, but if your batsman don't give you a decent total to defend it makes it impossible for the bowlers to attack. The SL batting in the 1st innings was disgraceful (apart from Angelo and Shaminda). The 2 big guns should never ever give it away like they did - they can never be called "great" when they get out so cheaply in succession (and they have done it before).

The bowlers will get better, but need overseas tests to hone their skills. Eranga looks a great prospect. Sena looks totally ineffective, SL should try other spinners (there is no end of spin talent in SL).

rajuramki
on January 2, 2014, 9:23 GMT

It is a pity that Malinga is not playing test cricket any more . His presence would have added teeth to the Srilankan attack . Further, is there any tangible reason for not grooming Kulasekara as a test bowler . Although he predominantly bowls only inswingers, he can be very canny and effective on pitches that does not offer much bounce . Pakistan batted too slowly and it appears that Misbah is playing for personal records than for the team's win . Even if Sanaga or Mahela decides to stay put at the crease, SL total will swell to such an extent that Pakistan will find it difficult to chase even 175 runs.

tvumpire.com
on January 2, 2014, 5:38 GMT

SL bowlers are not better than club level cricketers. Still the SL fans call them as lions! A team with full of lions folded like a house with cards. Wake up SL fans you cannot fool the world like this.

priceless1
on January 2, 2014, 5:25 GMT

Attitude is the key when it comes to Test match fast bowling , u can see with the likes of Styan , Junaid is that from each delivery they are trying to take wickets rather than rolling the arm over and hoping a wicket might fall some how , fast bowlers needs to be on top of the batsmen all the time ...

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 4:57 GMT

I would tend to disagree with Mr. Fernando. It is not about grooming pace bowlers new but getting them to understand the discipline as regards bowling each delivery.Anybody watching the match could have seen the difference, Pakistan bowlers bowled right line close the the off stump or on the off stump by getting closer to the stumps at the point of delivery. But Lankan bowlers could be seen at all times at least foot or two away from the stumps at delivery point, and the result was bowling wide of stumps allowing batsmen to leave at will with no risk. You first must get the right run up to be closer to stump at delivery point so that you can focus on the batsman and not spray the wide of the batters stumps. basic things are going wrong and one wonders what the coach has been doing all these days.

ARad
on January 2, 2014, 3:29 GMT

How is the SL team going to develop fast bowling talents? It is easier said than done unless there are particular plans/regiments in place. How much time can Vaas spent with each fast bowler? Are these fast bowlers receiving guidance, encouragement and training during off season or in between the infrequent Test series? How about their fitness and diet in general?

There is nothing in the works that suggests SLC will try to schedule more Tests so the captain or the head coach must come up with their own initiatives. Mathews is young and still learning so the impetus may not come from him. The coaches don't seem to stick around for long which means every new coach will start from scratch. That is hardly an ideal situation.

Bowlers win Tests. Herath is SL's only Test quality bowler but he is not getting younger. Sri Lanka must hope to unearth some special talent such as Murali or Vaas. Otherwise, at least in near future, their prospects look very bleak.

cricketsubh
on January 2, 2014, 3:25 GMT

They also need batting talent also I donot think they got that in test cricket they havely depending on sanga and mahela to score runs .

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 2:48 GMT

Not behind other good teams, careful not to be behind the minors. Beware Afghanistan is going to be a difficult team to cope up with.

Black_Rider
on January 2, 2014, 14:05 GMT

@Fast_Track_Bully ::

The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race.
The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the country.
The noble eight fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion's tail.
Curly hair on the lion's head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation.
The beard denotes purity of words.
The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth.
The nose indicates intelligence.
The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth.

We don't call ourselves Lions because of Cricket. It's because we have 2500 years proud history. If you need to know more please google. Thanks.
(@Cricinfo: Please publish. Thanks )

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 13:47 GMT

what can you expect when selectors keep on ignoring real bowlers with potential like kanishka alvitagala

buncers
on January 2, 2014, 11:07 GMT

It is easy to blame the bowlers, but if your batsman don't give you a decent total to defend it makes it impossible for the bowlers to attack. The SL batting in the 1st innings was disgraceful (apart from Angelo and Shaminda). The 2 big guns should never ever give it away like they did - they can never be called "great" when they get out so cheaply in succession (and they have done it before).

The bowlers will get better, but need overseas tests to hone their skills. Eranga looks a great prospect. Sena looks totally ineffective, SL should try other spinners (there is no end of spin talent in SL).

rajuramki
on January 2, 2014, 9:23 GMT

It is a pity that Malinga is not playing test cricket any more . His presence would have added teeth to the Srilankan attack . Further, is there any tangible reason for not grooming Kulasekara as a test bowler . Although he predominantly bowls only inswingers, he can be very canny and effective on pitches that does not offer much bounce . Pakistan batted too slowly and it appears that Misbah is playing for personal records than for the team's win . Even if Sanaga or Mahela decides to stay put at the crease, SL total will swell to such an extent that Pakistan will find it difficult to chase even 175 runs.

tvumpire.com
on January 2, 2014, 5:38 GMT

SL bowlers are not better than club level cricketers. Still the SL fans call them as lions! A team with full of lions folded like a house with cards. Wake up SL fans you cannot fool the world like this.

priceless1
on January 2, 2014, 5:25 GMT

Attitude is the key when it comes to Test match fast bowling , u can see with the likes of Styan , Junaid is that from each delivery they are trying to take wickets rather than rolling the arm over and hoping a wicket might fall some how , fast bowlers needs to be on top of the batsmen all the time ...

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 4:57 GMT

I would tend to disagree with Mr. Fernando. It is not about grooming pace bowlers new but getting them to understand the discipline as regards bowling each delivery.Anybody watching the match could have seen the difference, Pakistan bowlers bowled right line close the the off stump or on the off stump by getting closer to the stumps at the point of delivery. But Lankan bowlers could be seen at all times at least foot or two away from the stumps at delivery point, and the result was bowling wide of stumps allowing batsmen to leave at will with no risk. You first must get the right run up to be closer to stump at delivery point so that you can focus on the batsman and not spray the wide of the batters stumps. basic things are going wrong and one wonders what the coach has been doing all these days.

ARad
on January 2, 2014, 3:29 GMT

How is the SL team going to develop fast bowling talents? It is easier said than done unless there are particular plans/regiments in place. How much time can Vaas spent with each fast bowler? Are these fast bowlers receiving guidance, encouragement and training during off season or in between the infrequent Test series? How about their fitness and diet in general?

There is nothing in the works that suggests SLC will try to schedule more Tests so the captain or the head coach must come up with their own initiatives. Mathews is young and still learning so the impetus may not come from him. The coaches don't seem to stick around for long which means every new coach will start from scratch. That is hardly an ideal situation.

Bowlers win Tests. Herath is SL's only Test quality bowler but he is not getting younger. Sri Lanka must hope to unearth some special talent such as Murali or Vaas. Otherwise, at least in near future, their prospects look very bleak.

cricketsubh
on January 2, 2014, 3:25 GMT

They also need batting talent also I donot think they got that in test cricket they havely depending on sanga and mahela to score runs .

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 2:48 GMT

Not behind other good teams, careful not to be behind the minors. Beware Afghanistan is going to be a difficult team to cope up with.

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 1:57 GMT

Playing more T20`s by cancelling Test series was very harmful to fall their bowling attack and Batting Too.Shameful acts by SLCB is ruining SL Test Cricket.

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 22:48 GMT

Why is it that Pakistan finds a constant stream of excellent fast bowlers but Sri Lanka so few? Obviously Vaas was world class and Malinga excellent but beyond them the cupboard has been bare. There clearly have also been selectorial issues also. I suspect that an answer lies with Sri Lanka's unorthodoxy - and selectors have to back the best wicket-taking options. Why pick mediocre medium pacers? Re Herath, I recall his stats in Australia weren't as impressive as is made out. Re Senanayake, if other spinners had taken 0/300 in their last six innings as he has, I suspect Mr Fernando wouldn't be so kind.

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 20:32 GMT

SL deserve this for not persisting with Thushara ...

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 19:13 GMT

Lanka does have weak bowling. More tests need to be played. They should play Pakistan again in May or sometime as Pak have no tests until October 2014 after this.

KingOwl
on January 1, 2014, 19:06 GMT

It is easy to say that SL needs to do this and that. But, we should know HOW to do it. That is where some ideas will help. I have said this before also. It has to start very early. I doubt whether this crop of fast bowlers will ever become world beaters. They will improve, but not enough to run through teams. SL needs to identify young boys with talent for fast bowling and they should be given sports scholarships to schools which have fast tracks with bounce - and that means AWAY from the heat and humidity of Colombo. Playing in cooler hill country, the fast men (boys) will enjoy bowling more and will reap the rewards too in terms of wickets. They should go on to represent up country clubs and should continue to play in those same pitches that give fast bowlers real assistance. The fast bowling coaches should also be based up country so that they are closer to these players. It will take time. But I do not see a quick fix to this problem. This needs to go hand in hand with a good diet.

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 19:03 GMT

Teams go through hot waters once the stalwarts depart as we have seen with almost all the teams around. But the most important thing is that the leaving stars had to make sure they have trained the young guns up to the level to face the rainy days in their absence. Otherwise, teams would suffer a lot through trial and error process. Experimentation and trust in youth sometimes pay as we see in the case of Pakistan. Since the duo legends 2Ws, Pakistan entrusted S.Akhtar,Gul, M.Aamir,M.Asif and now we see Junaid,Bhatti,Anwar and Talha brimming with spirit and enthusiasm which ultimately have proved in giving dividends back!So in the same manner SL should trust and give a long go to Lakmal and Eranga to get some good exposure by bowling to multifaceted gems of international cricket of the likes of Yonis Khan, Misbah, A.B.devilliers,Clarke,Cook,Amla,Chanderpaul,Pujara and Kohli etc. I hope that day is not far when these young cubs will turn into roaring lions !!! Good luck to the stars!!

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 18:53 GMT

Sri Lanka have only had one truly test standard fast bowler in their entire history: Chaminda Vaas. Others of modern times like Malinga, Kulasekara, Dilhara Fernando etc. come close but not close enough. The fact that their recent attacks have been composed of the likes of Prasad, Pradeep, Lakmal, Eranga, Welegedara etc. shows just how serious the lack of development of fast bowlers is in Sri Lanka. Ever since Jayasuriya and Murali it's been all about batsmen and spinners.

Sri Lanka have only had one truly test standard fast bowler in their entire history: Chaminda Vaas. Others of modern times like Malinga, Kulasekara, Dilhara Fernando etc. come close but not close enough. The fact that their recent attacks have been composed of the likes of Prasad, Pradeep, Lakmal, Eranga, Welegedara etc. shows just how serious the lack of development of fast bowlers is in Sri Lanka. Ever since Jayasuriya and Murali it's been all about batsmen and spinners.

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 19:03 GMT

Teams go through hot waters once the stalwarts depart as we have seen with almost all the teams around. But the most important thing is that the leaving stars had to make sure they have trained the young guns up to the level to face the rainy days in their absence. Otherwise, teams would suffer a lot through trial and error process. Experimentation and trust in youth sometimes pay as we see in the case of Pakistan. Since the duo legends 2Ws, Pakistan entrusted S.Akhtar,Gul, M.Aamir,M.Asif and now we see Junaid,Bhatti,Anwar and Talha brimming with spirit and enthusiasm which ultimately have proved in giving dividends back!So in the same manner SL should trust and give a long go to Lakmal and Eranga to get some good exposure by bowling to multifaceted gems of international cricket of the likes of Yonis Khan, Misbah, A.B.devilliers,Clarke,Cook,Amla,Chanderpaul,Pujara and Kohli etc. I hope that day is not far when these young cubs will turn into roaring lions !!! Good luck to the stars!!

KingOwl
on January 1, 2014, 19:06 GMT

It is easy to say that SL needs to do this and that. But, we should know HOW to do it. That is where some ideas will help. I have said this before also. It has to start very early. I doubt whether this crop of fast bowlers will ever become world beaters. They will improve, but not enough to run through teams. SL needs to identify young boys with talent for fast bowling and they should be given sports scholarships to schools which have fast tracks with bounce - and that means AWAY from the heat and humidity of Colombo. Playing in cooler hill country, the fast men (boys) will enjoy bowling more and will reap the rewards too in terms of wickets. They should go on to represent up country clubs and should continue to play in those same pitches that give fast bowlers real assistance. The fast bowling coaches should also be based up country so that they are closer to these players. It will take time. But I do not see a quick fix to this problem. This needs to go hand in hand with a good diet.

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 19:13 GMT

Lanka does have weak bowling. More tests need to be played. They should play Pakistan again in May or sometime as Pak have no tests until October 2014 after this.

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 20:32 GMT

SL deserve this for not persisting with Thushara ...

dummy4fb
on January 1, 2014, 22:48 GMT

Why is it that Pakistan finds a constant stream of excellent fast bowlers but Sri Lanka so few? Obviously Vaas was world class and Malinga excellent but beyond them the cupboard has been bare. There clearly have also been selectorial issues also. I suspect that an answer lies with Sri Lanka's unorthodoxy - and selectors have to back the best wicket-taking options. Why pick mediocre medium pacers? Re Herath, I recall his stats in Australia weren't as impressive as is made out. Re Senanayake, if other spinners had taken 0/300 in their last six innings as he has, I suspect Mr Fernando wouldn't be so kind.

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 1:57 GMT

Playing more T20`s by cancelling Test series was very harmful to fall their bowling attack and Batting Too.Shameful acts by SLCB is ruining SL Test Cricket.

dummy4fb
on January 2, 2014, 2:48 GMT

Not behind other good teams, careful not to be behind the minors. Beware Afghanistan is going to be a difficult team to cope up with.

cricketsubh
on January 2, 2014, 3:25 GMT

They also need batting talent also I donot think they got that in test cricket they havely depending on sanga and mahela to score runs .